Too long

I have left it far too long since the last entry. It always seemed like it would be worth waiting a day or two to include something extra. A big mistake. Now I don't remember all that I was going to include and will be summarising stuff as well as I can.

I had another meeting with the palliative care consultant. He tweaked my pain killers a bit - cutting out the patch and doubling the dose of the Oxycontin. This led to a problem with the repeat prescription for the latter - too soon since the last one. I had to ring the health centre to remind them that the dose had been doubled (they had been advised) and to their credit the problem was quickly resolved. We decided that for the time being it would be best for the MacMillan nurse to monitor my pain management only including the palliative care consultant if needed.

I also had an appointment at the oncology department but I saw a registrar rather than the consultant. I told her that the requested palliative radiation to my right buttock bone would not be needed as the pain killers had removed the problem. Next appointment in six months.

A couple of weeks ago I had problems with my water works again. I was needing to pass water every 45-60 minutes but only managed a short trickle. I had a very poor Thursday night and saw the emergency doctor Friday afternoon. He prescribed Tamsulosin hydrochloride which seems to have sorted out both the flow and frequency problems. A potential side-effect is fluid retention in the bladder after a while.

Although my pain is under control and I am getting better night's sleep my legs seem to be getting weaker. My mobility is even more restricted. I'm even thinking in terms of a zimmer frame! Certainly I'll be looking out for a riser chair as getting up from the sofa, even with an extra cushion, is getting harder.

I started on an eight week course at a local cancer support centre - Beechwood - on Thursday. If nothing else it gets me out of the house meeting people and gives Julie some time to herself. Looking forward to the next meeting.